What is "shamu"

Shamu was a captive killer whale ( orca) which appeared in shows at SeaWorld San Diego in the mid/late 1960s. She was the fourth killer whale ever captured, and the second female. She was captured in October 1965 and died in August 9, 1971 after about six years in captivity. After her death, the name Shamu continued to be used in SeaWorld "Shamu" orca shows for different killer whales in different SeaWorld parks.

Shamu is the name used for several SeaWorld orca ( killer whale) shows and is the stage name given to the "star" of those shows, beginning with the original Shamu in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The orca Shamu died in 1971, but the name Shamu was trademarked by SeaWorld (as well as the names " Namu" and "Ramu") and has been given to different orcas at different times when performing in Shamu shows. In March, 2016, SeaWorld announced they are ending their orca breeding programs making their current orcas, "the last generation of orcas in SeaWorld's care." SeaWorld also announced they will be phasing out their theatrical orca whale shows and will introduce, "new, inspiring, natural orca encounters rather than theatrical shows,…[focussing] on orca enrichment, exercise and overall health"

Shamu may refer to:

• Shamu, the first orca (killer whale) to survive more than 13 months in captivity
• Shamu (SeaWorld show), the SeaWorld (USA) killer whale shows named for SeaWorld's first orca
• Shammu (born 1992), Indian film actress and model
• Webster Shamu (born 1945), Zimbabwean politician, currently serving as Minister of Publicity and Information.